Replacement 3-speed pull-chain speed control for ceiling fan

I thought that any four-wire replacement switch would work for my ceiling fan. The chain broke off inside the original switch, so I went to Home Depot and purchased a new four-wire speed control switch.

I noted that both the old and new switches have identical markings for the wire connections: L, 1, 2, 3. I moved the wires one at a time from the old switch to the new—the wire from the L port on the old one went to the L port on the new and so on. I didn't change anything else. Then I put the whole thing back together and restored power.

I was delighted that the fan came on. I can change the speeds from high to medium to low ... but I can't turn the fan off! All I have are three speeds. To turn the fan off, I must also turn off the light. Did I buy the wrong switch, or is something else going on?

Oops. That old horse done left the barn. I tossed out the old switch immediately. Anyway, the backs of the old and new switches looked identical—same markings. I figured I'd found the right replacement, so I tossed the broken switch. The package gave no hint that I might have the wrong item.

Thank you very much! Now I have their phone number, and I intend to call them. Maybe we can figure this out.

BV002496

03:18PM | 11/06/13

When I tried to change the fan switch; as I was putting the wires in the new switch, the others came out of the new switch, and now I do not know where the four colors go -- orange, black, yellow, purple and where on the switch each color goes---1-2-3--L. HELP! Bernie at [email protected]